In 2021, amid financial problems exacerbated by the pandemic, Pope Francis ordered a 10% salary cut for cardinals and an 8% cut for heads of dicasteries. Now, Pope Leo XIV has decided to abandon this measure. In a decree published on September 14 — on his 71st birthday — the pontiff noted that the restrictions imposed to overcome the exceptional consequences of the pandemic can now be lifted. However, the decision **does not have retroactive effect**: the money not received over the past five years will not be compensated to cardinals and officials. According to estimates provided in the publication, a cardinal working in the Roman Curia earns approximately **4500–5000 euros per month**. ### Vatican Finances Have Improved The decision comes against the backdrop of a more favorable financial situation. In May, the Vatican Bank reported a record result — its net profit amounted to **51 million euros**. At the same time, Pope Leo XIV urged the structures of the Holy See to continue adhering to principles of financial sustainability. The decision may attract the attention of ordinary Vatican employees. As noted by a source from the publication, their salaries have remained frozen since 2008. Currently, the increase only concerns the upper echelons of the Vatican administration, but the restoration of previous salaries for cardinals may heighten expectations for a review of pay for other workers. On the same day, Pope Leo XIV also abandoned another project from Francis's time — plans to move part of the Vatican Library's funds outside the state. Instead, a new building for the archives is proposed to be constructed within the Vatican.
